Ada was born in 1922 on a lovely farm in Shipka, Ontario. She
attended Exeter High School, where Gordon Koch was her Art teacher. As a child
she always liked colouring and art. She has worked in oils, watercolours,
pastels and acrylics; as well, she has done ceramics, coil and slab work. Each
day we can choose to learn more, experience more and love more. Ada believes we
are co-learners with God.
In the summer of 1999, Lyla Broderick knocked on her cottage
door, asking her if she would like to china paint. Donna Paynter was starting
classes at her home in the fall. She was hooked. That September, about
eight friends sat around Donna's table every week, took notes and painted
china. It is a slow process; most pieces take four to five firings. You start
painting very lightly, then darken and add shadows with each firing. When
firing you must load the kiln very carefully so nothing is touching. Opening
the lid and turning a switch on, leave one hour, close the lid and turn on
another switch; in another hour, close the lid and leave closed for twelve hours.
Then unload the kiln. It is a lovely surprise to see your work after each
firing. After Donna left
Exeter, Ada bought Donna's kiln and continued classes in her home for several
years.
Ada loves all her china painting, and just like
this vase, they make her think of "All Things Bright and Beautiful".
